Gravity-Driven Spherical Object Distribution Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for distributing spherical objects, such as ball bearings or pills, are energy-intensive and require large spaces, or are time-consuming and difficult to automate, as they rely on mechanical systems to move objects around.

Innovation Solution

A compact gravity-driven distribution mechanism using a spherical container, deflector, regulator, and rotary plate, where objects flow by gravity through a round structure, with controlled release via rotary plate, minimizing energy consumption and space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chained slot buckets with inclined slope are used to move spherical objects, then spherical objects can be distributed, but energy consumption increases and space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a horizontal circular passage at the same elevation level to allow spherical objects to move from the container to the discharge holes without requiring inclined slopes or mechanical lifting. This equipotential design eliminates the need for energy-consuming mechanical transport systems while maintaining distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical chained slot bucket system with a gravity-driven flow system. Spherical objects move through the horizontal passage and chambers solely under gravity, eliminating the need for motors, belts, or other mechanical drive components, thus reducing energy consumption to minimal levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If chained slot buckets with inclined slope are used to move spherical objects, then spherical objects can be distributed, but the mechanism requires large space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical inclined slope arrangement to a horizontal circular passage arrangement. This dimensional change allows the distribution mechanism to operate within a compact footprint while maintaining the ability to move spherical objects through the system efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests multiple functional chambers within a compact circular structure. The spherical objects container, horizontal passage, and discharge chambers are integrated into a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization while maintaining distribution functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If pre-arrange objects in a queue and release objects one by one, then distribution can be controlled, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be easily automated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoiddistribution time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-arranges spherical objects in the container and uses gravity to automatically queue them in the horizontal passage and chambers before discharge. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual or mechanical queuing operations, enabling automated continuous distribution without time-consuming step-by-step placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses gravity itself to perform the queuing and transport functions that would otherwise require external control mechanisms. Spherical objects automatically move through the horizontal passage and into chambers based on gravity-driven flow, enabling self-organizing behavior that simplifies control and enables automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables efficient, automated, and space-saving distribution of spherical objects, driven solely by gravity, reducing energy consumption and preventing congestion, while allowing for controlled release.

Implementation Method 1

spherical objects in the spherical objects container flow downwards into the spherical objects regulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The only place where external power is needed is the rotary plate that rotates to open or shut discharge holes to control the release of spherical objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS11772876B1Compact gravity-driven distribution mechanism for spherical objects

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 KONG YONGMING

AI summary

A compact gravity-driven distribution mechanism for spherical objects comprises a spherical objects container, a deflector inside the container, and a spherical objects regulator with a rotary plate attached at the bottom. Spherical objects are pre-loaded or dynamically flow into the spherical objects container and the deflector in the container guides spherical objects into the spherical objects regulator underneath the container. The spherical objects regulator regulates the spherical objects into three chambers where the spherical objects are ready for discharge. Spherical objects flow out of the spherical objects regulator in three streams. The rotary plate can be rotated to shut or open the channel of spherical objects flow. Spherical object flow is driven solely by gravity, which makes the mechanism energy efficient. The compound structure of this mechanism can be small and compact, making it easy to be deployed.